Saturday, 8 February 1862
Cloudy & sunny at times: once or twice a half shower of rain. Very calm & open window=no fire weather. ― Worked at Corfu A ― trees & foreground ― but, tho’ none come, little things interrupted me.
First, paying Παραμιθιόττι’s rent: I asked for the refusals of the upper floor ― but got no answer. Then there were noisy street cars, ― & looking out for the Post Ancona boat, wh. came not. At 2 ― salutes ― the new General Sir J. Inglis landing. A new ship of war came in. Then the new General’s packages to stare at ― & the 2nd regiment & band twice past. ― And at 5 ― sunset beautiful ― a 2nd set of salute guns ― I conclude for Sir George & Lady Buller’s going. What a life has her’s been here! ― Yet happier than if she had tried to mix with all, ― wh. she could never have done. ― 5.45. No steamer. ― The sun comes round Fort Neuf now at 4.30 ― whereby ― later in the year, this room will be useless. ― Things must be as they may: ― go ― or not go.
Dined at 6.30 ― & penned out till 9.30 ― but the room was useless for another cause, ― the awful noise of the Maudes. Went to bed angry ― & half thinking of going away.
[Transcribed by Marco Graziosi from Houghton Library, Harvard University, MS Eng. 797.3.]